Seahawks’ secondary depth thin as they take on Falcons in Week 3
Sep 25, 2022, 12:17 PM
Justin Coleman of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates his interception against the Detroit Lions. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Seahawks’ secondary depth will be tested on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons as three cornerbacks and one safety are all out of action for the Week 3 contest.
Bump: Falcons give Seahawks a chance to right wrongs from loss to 49ers
Veteran corners Artie Burns and Sidney Jones are healthy scratches while nickel corner Justin Coleman is out with a calf injury. He was doubtful to play against the Falcons. Coleman didn’t play in Week 2 due to the injury as well.
Reserve safety Joey Blount (hamstring) is also out for the second week in a row. He, like Coleman, was doubtful to play.
The good news in the secondary is Pro Bowl free safety Quandre Diggs (knee) is active despite being listed as questionable to play.
Veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris was ruled out on Friday and will not play. He has been away from the team due to a personal matter.
Rounding out the Seahawks’ inactives list are rookie receiver Dareke Young and offensive lineman Jake Curhan.
To help with the secondary depth, cornerback Xavier Crawford was recalled from the practice squad. Linebacker Christian Jones was as well.
The Seahawks’ starting outside corners have been Michael Jackson and rookie Tariq Woolen, so the Hawks won’t be without any starters on the outside, but with both Burns and Jones inactive, that leaves Seattle’s depth there very thin. Jones is listed as Jackson’s backup while Burns is listed as the third-string corner behind Jackson and Isaiah Dunn on the other side.
With Coleman out, rookie Coby Bryant will likely get the first crack at the nickel spot. He’s had a few bright moments early in his career, but he’s also been tagged for penalties, missed a few tackles and allowed a long touchdown in Week 1.
Harris being out is a big blow for the Seahawks as the Falcons are a run-heavy team with a dual-threat quarterback in Marcus Mariota.
For the Falcons, receivers Bryan Edwards and Damiere Byrd, offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson, edge rusher Quinton Bell, linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and defensive lineman Matt Dickerson are not playing in Week 3.
Pete Carroll Preview: The challenges Falcons present Seahawks defense
